BETHANY BEACH, DE — The start of 2024 in Bethany Beach marked the return of the 'Hair of the Dog Walk/Run/Plunge." The event is the towns 27th annual polar plunge and 17th annual 5k mile run and walk, and is organized by the Quiet Resorts Charitable Foundation.
The day commenced with the start of 5K run or mile walk and at noon, participants, undeterred by the winter chill, took the plunge into the ocean from Bethany's Beach.
The event hoped to raise funds for local students through scholarships and grant donations. Foundation President Doug Purcell underscored the significance of the community coming together:
"It’s great to see everyone out here, and then knowing that all those proceeds are going to go back into the local community." said Purcell.
"It’s a reset, for a lot of people, you start off the New Year, you start it off fresh and with something healthy, and I think that’s really important," he added.
The event also featured a chili cookoff competition between local businesses -- which fed runners and swimmers in-between the activities.